CHP7

She penned his reply immediately, hoping he'd get it before he came home. He was due to arrive home in just five more days. She was so excited! She worked it out in her schedule to have at least the next two weeks off before going back to school. They were in mid swing in the current classes, and she wanted to start off on the right foot again. She wasn't sure how to react to the news of his fallen comrade, at least he wasn't killed so many other shinobi, but still…she felt for the now injured strange man. It was obvious to her that Neji was worried about the other shinobi, they must be really good friends for him to express any concern for the man at all. So, since she didn't know how to react, and not knowing the severity or type of injury her cousin's friend endured, she sent a second letter to the man alone. Introducing herself, and hoping that he would even be able to read it. Neji gave her his name, and she used it. Obviously they worked together in the same branch, and were stationed at the same place, all she did was use Neji's address but with Sasuke Uchiha's name. She was a little wary of how he'd react to that, but she'd figured he'd be like most shinobi that were deployed. Appreciative. One would hope anyway.

She'd spent a whole evening trying to think of things to add in her letter to the strange man. Man. She still couldn't believe she would be having a stranger sleeping in her home! And it would be in the bedroom right across the hall from hers! Good thing though, was that it was far from Hanabi's. After commanding herself to stop thinking about someone she'd never even met, she wondered if Neji would like his room? He'd seen it in pictures, but she hoped it was to his liking. He could change it if he liked. It would be nice to have him home for a while. She really missed him. It was funny to think of Tenten, the girl was on edge! It was only getting worse as the day came closer and closer! And she still had so much to do as well.

Hanabi was still contemplating on which path she was going to take for her future. She was out in part for Neji, and in part for Konohamaru. Hinata was happy to see that her sister was being serious about her decision. It will make it less painful when she finally decides to join the air force academy. She already knew that she wasn't going to law school. And in truth, Hanabi wasn't cut out for it. Oh, she'd excel, Hinata knew that much. But it wasn't Hanabi. Her sister needed action, she was a physical girl, and would do good in the armed forces. Still. It was going to be hard to know her baby sister was risking her life every day. Sighing, she knew she'd support her regardless. She knew she'd be lonely after Hanabi left. She'd have Tenten, but… She guessed that's another reason why she chose to be a surgeon. The hard work, concentration, and endless hours would help her move her focus.

Ring, ring.

"Hello?" she answered sweetly.

"Hey Hinata, it's Sakura."

"Good afternoon Sakura, how are you?"

"Okay, swamped with the new training and all, but…anyway, what time is your party on Saturday?" she asked.

"One thirty, but you can come around noon if you like," she offered.

"No, one thirty will be fine. I have to pick up Ino before then anyway."

"Oh alright…"

"Would you like us to bring anything?" she offered.

"If you wouldn't mind bringing a side dish. I plan on asking Neji to grill for me."

"Poor guy, he's not even home yet and you're putting him to work," Sakura laughed.

"You think I shouldn't ask him?" Hinata frowned, she personally thought he'd enjoy it. After all, he had mentioned in his letter that he wanted to act like a civilian.

"I was just kidding Hina. Anyway, see you on Saturday."

"Okay, Bye Sakura."

"Bye."

For some reason, speaking with Sakura always made her feel lesser than what she really was. It was kind of depressing. She thought her pink-haired friend was better than her. That probably wasn't the truth though, Hinata knew she worked just as hard as her. But Sakura did have one thing she seriously lacked. Self confidence. She knew she lacked it, and also realized that it was a problem. But how do you work on that? How do people overcome that? She was a smart girl, but one of the easiest things, she couldn't get over. How was she ever going to succeed in a social field such as medicine? She knew she would have to talk to patients, to their families. Be the center of attention when she was giving the worst of news. And the best of news as well, how would she ever be able to do this!?

Realizing she was now panicking, she took several deep breaths and decided to take a swim in the pool. The water was relaxing to her, as she swam laps from one end to the next. When she finished, she dried off and laid under the shade of the willow tree, after laying a long beach towel on the grass. Closing her eyes and listening to the birds singing overhead, just taking in nature at its best. It was so peaceful and relaxing that she decided to just take an afternoon nap, right there in her backyard!

--

Dear Neji,

I hope you get this in time, I just wanted to reply to your last letter. I'm really glad that you'll be able to make it on time, but would understand if there was a delay. I was sad to find out your friend was injured and I'm hoping for the best. I'm taking it that he is still joining us, and I am keeping plans to include him in the parties planned. It would be an honor to go to dinner with you and Hanabi, but if you want to just take her that's fine too. To be honest, she's thinking about joining the air force. I know, I fainted when she told me. We met with the recruitment office last Monday. She's taking her time in making the decision, but I just know she's going to do it. It'll be hard to let her go. But if I don't, I just might lose her. Neji, you shouldn't feel that you have to act like a civilian. You are a shinobi, and I know you're proud of that. I am as well, I can't wait to see you. Tenten has been counting down the days, oh, don't tell her I told you that. You asked about changes. I could make you wait until you're home to find out, but…that would just be cruel. I gave Hyuuga Corp. my two-week notice…two weeks ago. In a month or so, I'll be going back to full-time day classes and come spring, I should be able to start my residency at the Leaf Medical Center. Another change, as for me, is that I decided to be a pediatric surgeon, instead of a family practitioner. Not such a big deal really, but for me it is. When I think about it, I just feel complete knowing that I'm moving in the right direction. Well, we miss you tremendously, and will probably run up and never let go of you when we finally see you again. That is if Tenten gives us the chance!

Love, Hinata and Hanabi

He smiled as he re-read her letter. He always read his letters several times, wanting to memorize every word. So, his little cousin was going to be a surgeon. He knew exactly what that meant, knew what she set herself up for, and smiled because he knew she'd succeed.

"Hey, you got a letter too," he said to his brooding roommate.

Ever since the incident with Orochimaru, Sasuke hardly talked to anyone, including Neji himself. He could understand why, the shinobi was disappointed that he wasn't skilled enough to bring down that evil bastard. The venom injected into his neck was laced with Orochimaru's chakra, which immediately molded with Sasuke's. He knew it burned him every once in a while, he could tell when Sasuke would unknowingly rub at the mark. The jounin Kakashi Hatake was able to put a strong seal on it, to keep it contained, but it still bothered the Uchiha.

"I did?" Sasuke sounded surprised. He, not once in his military career, received a letter. Well he did almost daily, but they were just from stupid fangirls he'd met on previous missions. But by his comrade's tone of voice, he could tell that it wasn't just the norm fan junk.

"Yeah." Neji pointed on the desk they shared, "Naruto came in with the mail. Handed me Hinata's letter, then placed yours on the desk. Then left…quietly. I had to check the chakra pattern to make sure it was really him."

"Really?"

Neji wanted to chuckle, but knew better not to. He watched as his friend and comrade cautiously stood up and walked slowly over to the desk. Sasuke flipped it over at least three times before taking it back with him to sit on his bed. He opened it slowly, then…was that a blush?"

--

Sasuke didn't know how to react to the letter from the Hyuuga's cousin. He knew Neji saw his cheeks reddened when he figured out it wasn't from Orochimaru or something. He knew he hadn't seen the last of that vile man, and was afraid he'd taken up stalking him or something.

But, turning to the letter in his hand, that he still hadn't read, just the name at the bottom, he decided to just go ahead and get it over with. If this chick was going to be some stupid fangirl and continue on this annoying path, he'd just have to stay elsewhere. He had money, he could afford a hotel for the six month leave. Whatever, he'd just read it and get it over with.

Dear Sasuke;

Hello, my name is Hinata Hyuuga, a cousin of Neji Hyuuga's. I understand that you will be joining us during your brief leave from duty. I just wanted to let you know that you are very welcome into our home, and I look forward to meeting you. I also have a younger sister, her name is Hanabi. She will be home most of the time with you and Neji, as she is currently on summer break. Unfortunately, I will have classes starting soon, and won't be around as often. Our home is near a large city, and I'm sure you'll be able to find fun activities to do. I prepared a list of sights and other attractions that you may enjoy. Also, I've cleaned and prepared the room that you'll be staying in, so that it will be ready for you when you arrive. You are welcome to anything while staying with us, and I hope that you will feel at home.

Thank you, Hinata

Okay, so it wasn't as bad as he thought it would be. He read the letter again, then again, and again …and well, again. He decided to not tell Neji that his cousin had written to him, he'd let him bring it up first. Not to keep it a big secret or anything, but…he just wanted something that was his own. She decided to write him an introduction. He wondered briefly if he should write her back, but figured he'd see her before she received it.

Grinning, he decided to write her anyway. It would make things interesting. It was like she was reaching out to him, and on some level he was annoyed. But on another, it made him feel warm. No one had ever written to him, other than other military personnel. He'd gotten several love letters from kunoichi, but not a civilian letter such as this. It was a first. It was…nice.